concrete - dreamnap

part 13 - showtime

Showtime.

Clay, Alex and Karl walked out onto stage, with Clay looking in the crowd for a sight of George and Nick. He didn't see them yet, his heart beating slightly faster. 

"And next, we have the Crew Boys!" The announcer said, earning a round of applause. "Wh-wha? The others are here?" Nick asked, looking up at stage. He could see Clay looking around, but he didn't know what for. "Wait, they are?" George said in a confused tone. "Oh, they are. I don't know what they're doing here, they didn't tell me anything, at least."

"Alright alright, are you guys ready?" Clay asked, looking at the others. After they both agreed, Clay spoke. "Already, one, two, one two three four!" The song started playing, the whole bar lively with the music. Nick looked at Clay in awe as the lyrics started to sound.

Hey
I'm not afraid, I can be myself and I
Hope you can be yourself as well
'Cause I can make you feel alright

"You're liking the song?" George laughed. "I mean- yeah. You swear you had nothing to do with this?" Nick asked, turning to George. "Ehh.. maybe a little bit." George laughed, an awkward smile on his face. "George!" Nick sighed, slightly smiling. "You can't blame me, your boyfriend- sorry- Clay misses you a shit ton." George said, grinning. "He's not my boyfriend." Nick mumbled, looking back up at Clay. He was just so... perfect? Clay was looking around in the audience, but Nick didn't know who for. Was it him? No, it couldn't be.

And there was so much happiness that
We were still yet to find
I said that you can call me Alex, baby
Welcome to my life

Clay's hands were slightly shaky, his heart beating slightly faster. Did he really write a song for a boy who wasn't even there to see it? Did he just write it for nobody? Was it just another shallow love song, the ones where every girl thinks it's about her? It couldn't be. But how would Nick not be there? Did George do something? Or was he just overthinking again?

But don't you worry, don't you, don't worry girl
No I'm not sure if I'm into you
The last time that you checked I was probably so sad and confused

Karl was looking into the audience, helping Clay find Nick and George, but to no avail. He could see how worried Clay was, thinking that Nick wasn't even there. But suddenly, Karl saw something. It was George and Nick! The pair was sitting at a table near the back of the hall, but still having a good view of the stage. Karl tried to get Clay's attention, but he was still singing.

I don't know, no, I don't know what you like
But if you're looking for something new
I know somebody that you could choose

"Clay!" Karl whispered, looking over to Clay. "They're up the back! Back left!" Karl said, at a low enough volume nobody else could hear them. Clay turned to find them, instantly making eye contact with Nick. Karl saw Clay's eyes light up, a smile appearing. "My work is done here." Karl giggled to himself, looking down.

Clay's face lit up, his mood raising. It was Nick. Clay felt like not seeing him in a week had just changed so much, almost for the better. Even though Clay had missed Nick, he knew they would somehow be closer. He saw Nick smile, his cheeks turning a rosy red. He chuckled to himself, still keeping eye contact.

What about me?
What about me?
What about me and you together?
Something that could really last forever